BUSINESS leaders in Hampshire have praised civic bosses after they gave Lidl permission to build a new depot and create 400 new jobs.

The controversial development at Nursling next to the M271 has been given the green light by Test Valley Borough Council after Southampton City Council gave the go-ahead last month.

It means that Lidl will now be able to create a 24-hour distribution centre on the outskirts of Southampton.

Hampshire Chamber of Commerce’s chief executive Jimmy Chestnutt said: “The chamber’s planning and transport committee was impressed by the effort put in by Lidl and Barker-Mill Estates to ensure that transport issues and aesthetic aspects of the new Regional Distribution Centre were properly and fully addressed. “The centre will bring increased efficiency and better carbon saving sustainability for Lidl’s distribution network in the south, and of course the 400 jobs is excellent news.”

Business Solent chief executive Sally Lynskey said: “We welcome the decision of the Test Valley Borough Council planners in giving the go ahead for the Lidl Distribution Centre at Nursling.

“The creation of 400 new jobs is good news for the region, especially as Lidl are keen for those vacancies to be filled by local people.”